View full sizeRestaurant and bar owners now can allow smoking on outdoor patios and rooftops as long as no food preparation or food service is taking place there at the time, according to a new interpretation of Michigan's smoke-free law. File | MLive.com

BAY CITY, MI — A recent change to Michigan’s smoke-free law is dividing MLive readers. Some say it's a good thing, others that it's a step in the wrong direction.

Because of the change announced Monday, Aug. 19, and effective immediately, smokers can light up on outdoor patios and rooftops at some bars and restaurants as long as food service and preparation or drinking is not taking place there at the time.

The law previously read that smoking was not allowed in any place where patrons were intended to receive food or beverages, said Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development Director Jamie Clover Adams.

“My clarification just says ... if there's food (or beverage) being prepared, served or provided — no smoking,” she said of outdoor patios and rooftops.